North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper vetoed a proposed law that would have imposed rigid new restrictions on abortion access in the state, including a ban on most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Announcing a decision at a reproductive rights rally, Cooper indicated that the Republican-introduced bill would interfere with the doctor-patient relationship and could limit access to abortion, particularly for lower-income individuals and those in rural areas.

The proposed legislation included provisions to ban medication abortions after 10 weeks and require three in-person appointments for those seeking a medical abortion. It also introduced licensing requirements that opponents said could potentially lead to clinic closures.

Throughout the week prior to the veto, Cooper had been hearing from physicians, patients, and advocates across the state about the potential impacts of the legislation.

Local advocacy groups lauded the decision. Cooper announced the decision alongside representatives of the North Carolina Medical Society, the North Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians. After the announcement, ACLU North Carolina tweeted:

Today, united voices from across North Carolina came together to support Governor Cooper’s veto and stand up for reproductive health. Contact your Representatives and tell them: Abortion is healthcare. Abortion is a right. Abortion access for all.

Following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion is now largely prohibited in a growing number of states across the US.